Céline Dion is affected by ‘stiff particular person syndrome.’ Right here’s what which means

Canadian celebrity Céline Dion cancelledthe remainder of her “Braveness” world tour Friday, citing ongoing well being issues on account of a uncommon neurological dysfunction known as “stiff particular person syndrome.”

Dion’s group didn’t reveal particular signs the 55-year-old singer was experiencing, however stated the songstress was “unable to efficiently put together for and carry out the rest of the tour.”

In response to the Stiff Individual Syndrome Heart at Johns Hopkins Medication, the incurable situation causes muscle stiffness and painful spasms that worsen over time, which might be triggered by sudden motion and sudden loud noises.

The identify doesn’t do justice to the ache and life-changing signs the syndrome causes, stated Tara Zier, founding father of the Stiff Individual Syndrome Analysis Foundationin Bethesda, Md.

“Lots of people have challenges with mobility. Many have assisted units for mobility, walkers, wheelchairs. Some individuals are bedridden,’’ she stated.

Right here’s a have a look at stiff particular person syndrome:

HOW COMMON IS IT?

It’s usually reported that about one or two folks per million are affected however researchers don’t know for certain, stated Dr. Marinos Dalakas, director of the neuromuscular division on the Thomas Jefferson College of Medication in Philadelphia.

The variety of instances could possibly be increased as a result of it’s typically misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s illness, a number of sclerosis or psychiatric problems, stated Dalakas, who can also be a member of the medical advisory board for The Stiff Individual Syndrome Analysis Basis.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Muscle rigidity and spasms are the 2 essential defining signs, which might be very painful and might trigger folks to fall, Dalakas stated. Older folks, particularly, can turn out to be bodily disabled. If the thoracic muscle tissue are affected, folks can have issue respiratory and their voice might tremble.

If the muscle stiffness is extreme, “you’ll be able to turn out to be like a statue,’’ he stated.

Concern of spasms additionally causes nervousness and should make some peopleafraidto leavetheir houses.

IS THERE A CURE?

No. However there are therapies that may assist alleviate signs.

Drugs mustbe tailor-made to every affected person andtheir signs, Dalakas stated.

Frequent prescriptions embrace diazepam, which will help relieve muscle spasms and cut back extreme nervousness, in addition to muscle relaxants and anti-seizure drugs like gabapentin.

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?

A blood check is used to detect the presence of antibodies in opposition to an enzyme known as glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). Medical doctors may bodily study the particular person’s muscle tissue or use electromyography (EMG) to evaluate muscle and neurological perform.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

Like with many autoimmune ailments, the trigger isn’t recognized, Dalakas stated.

However there’s cause for sufferers to be hopeful, he stated, becausesymptoms can typically be managed. The sooner sufferers are identified and handled, the higher their outcomes are usually.

This report by The Canadian Press was first printed Dec. 8, 2022 and was up to date Might 26, 2023.

Canadian Press well being protection receives help by means of a partnership with the Canadian Medical Affiliation. CP is solely chargeable for this content material.

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